Job 21:1

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 21:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then Job answered and said,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then Job answered and said,
Job 21:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Then Job answered and said,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But Job answered and said.] In reply to what Zophar had asserted, concerning the prosperity of the wicked being only for a short time, (<182005>Job 20:5); the contrary to which he most clearly proves, and that in many instances their prosperity continues as long as they live; that they die in it, and it is enjoyed by their posterity after them.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“JOB'S ANSWER. (Job 21:1-34) consolations--If you will listen calmly to me, this will be regarded as "consolations"; alluding to Eliphaz' boasted "consolations" (Job 15:11), which Job felt more as aggravations ("mockings," Job 21:3) than consolations (Job 16:2).”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“1 Then began Job, and said: 2 Hear, oh hear, my speech, And let this be instead of your consolations. 3 Suffer me, and I will speak, And after I have spoken thou mayest mock. 4 As for me, then, doth my complaint concern man, Or wherefore should I not become impatient? 5 Turn ye to me and be astonished, And lay your hand upon your mouth. 6 Even if I think of it I am bewildered, And my flesh taketh hold on trembling - : The friends, far from being able to solve the enigma of Job's affliction, do not once recognise the mystery as such. They cut the knot by wounding Job most deeply by ever more and more frivolous accusations. Therefore he entreats them to be at least willing to listen (שׁמעוּ…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification